The Surrogate's Court is a Department of County Government as well as a branch of the Superior Court of New Jersey, in the Chancery Division.

The Surrogate is a Constitutional Officer who is elected to the position every five years. Michael J. Doherty is the 27th Warren County Surrogate and he has been in office since December 1, 2022. For a list of prior Surrogates' click here. The Surrogate serves as Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part as well as judge of the Surrogate's Court.

Surrogate is a title taken from the Latin word "Subregare" which means substitute or to "take the place of another". The Surrogate actually takes the place of the Governor, who received authority from the Archbishop of London in 1710 to probate wills, issue marriage licenses, and perform functions that were the province of the Church.

As Clerk of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Probate Part, the Surrogate's Court reviews and files contested estate actions, adoptions, declaration of death actions, the appointment of a guardian for incapacitated persons, trustees and conservators, and formal accountings.

Permanent records of all wills and other estate administration papers are filed in the Surrogate Court on microfiche. The records of the Surrogate Court are used by title searchers, genealogists, and the public.

The Surrogate's Court also invests and maintains Minor's trust funds.